Assistant professor of Medical Microbiology Introduction • The cytoplasm of all living cells is bounded by the cytoplasmic membrane. • It serves as a selective permeability barrier, carries out active transport functions, and thus controls the internal composition of the cell. • The cytoplasmic membrane is involved in a variety of cellular processes such as cell adhesion, ion conductivity, and cell signalling. Bacterial cytoplasmic membrane • The cytoplasmic membrane of bacteria and fungi has a structure different from that of animal cells and if its functional integrity is disrupted cell damage or death results • Several antimicrobials bind to the outer membrane disrupting the plasma membrane causes: – rapid depolarization – loss of membrane potential – inhibition of protein, DNA and RNA synthesis • Block passage of solutes resulting in bacterial toxicity and cell death. Polymyxin B and polymyxin E (Colistin) • They are a group of polypeptide that are active against gram negative bacteria but inactive for gram positive bacteria. • Polymyxin B is administered parenterally in its active form, while colistin is administered parenterally as an inactive form • Because of their nephrotoxic and neurotoxic side effects and poor distribution to tissues, polymyxins were used primarily topically and are rarely used for systemic infections. • With the emergence of multi-resistant gram negative organisms, injectable polymyxins are in use again. Polymyxins: mode of action
• Polymyxins can be bactericidal for many gram-negative
aerobic rods by binding to cell membranes rich in phospholipids (phosphatidyl ethanolamine). • They destroy membrane functions of active transport and permeability barrier. • They bind and neutralize lipopolysaccharides and may prevent the pathophysiologic effects of endotoxin in the circulation. Polymyxin B • Polymyxin B offers multiple pharmacokinetic advantages in the treatment of systemic infections: – Polymyxin B achieves therapeutic concentrations rapidly. – Provides more predictable serum concentrations. • Lower rates of nephrotoxicity with polymyxin B compared with colistin. • Resistance eventually developed following treatment with either agent. • This supports the importance of using both polymyxins only in combination with additional antibiotics and (almost) never as monotherapy. Uses of Polymyxin B • 1. Treatment of severe infections caused by multi- drug resistant Gram negative organisms. Examples: ventilator associated pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aereuginosa. • 2. Decontamination of the gastro-intestinal tract in high risk patients: leukaemic and intensive care patients. Polymyxin E (colistin) • Available topically and parenterally, not used orally. • Poor penetration of CSF, pleural fluid and biliary tract. • Colistin is bactericidal against these gram-negative organisms. When used wisely, observed toxicity has been less than previously described. • It is used for: – Treatment of multidrug resistant bacilli: Acinetobacter baumannii and P. aereuginosa – Therapy for carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella infections. Bacitracin
• Bacitracin is a polypeptide obtained from a strain of
Bacillus subtilis. • It is stable and poorly absorbed from the intestinal tract. • Bacitracin is used to help prevent minor skin injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns from becoming infected. • Bacitracin is mainly bactericidal for gram-positive bacteria, including penicillin-resistant staphylococci. Clinical uses of Bacitracin • 1. Its only use is for topical application to skin, wounds, or mucous membranes. Do not use this medication to treat deep cuts, puncture wounds, animal bites, serious burns, or any injuries that affect large areas of your body. • 2. In combination with polymyxin B or neomycin, bacitracin is useful for the suppression of mixed bacterial flora in surface lesions. Bacitracin • It is used in diagnostic laboratory to identify Streptococcus pyogenes which is bacitracin sensitive. • Side effects: Bacitracin is toxic for the kidney, causing proteinuria, haematuria, and nitrogen retention. For this reason, it has no place in systemic therapy.